Mayor Thelda Williams showed reporters the new concourse a few hours before the first flight was scheduled to arrive.

“This was all gutted,” she said, “It’s all new: new wiring, new air, new artwork, the floors are fabulous.”

The new south concourse has 15 gates, eight food and drink outlets, six shops, a children’s play area, an indoor pet relief area and power outlets at every seat.

“It has 30,000 employees that work here,” Williams said. “It is the biggest economic driver in the state.”

“That means there’s about 55 or 56,000 jobs directly associated with this airport,” said Aviation Director James Bennett. “And there’s well over $30 billion of economic activity that comes out of this airport for the state of Arizona every year.”

"My husband was so excited to know that he was going to be a part of not just the aviation history of Arizona, but such an important part of it, as well." — Cindy McCain

“My husband was so excited to know that he was going to be a part of not just the aviation history of Arizona, but such an important part of it, as well,” she said.

McCain’s name is displayed on the east and west exteriors of the building and a bronze plaque will be installed inside.

“John McCain meant an awful lot to me on a personal basis so this is an emotional day for me,” said Vice Mayor Jim Waring. “I think we all, as citizens, owe him for his service a debt of incredible gratitude and this is one small way as a City Council person and as a citizen we can try to repay that debt.”

The third and final phase of Terminal 3 construction will include enhancements to the North Concourse and should be completed in 2020. Then, the airlines operating at Terminal 2 will move to Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 will be demolished.

"The Aviators" by Donald Lipski welcomes visitors to Terminal 3 and celebrates Arizona's history of civil and military aviation. Christina Estes/KJZZ

The new south concourse includes 15 gates.Christina Estes/KJZZ

A children's play area in the south concourse at Sky Harbor Airport.Christina Estes/KJZZ

Mayor Thelda Williams cuts a ribbon before taking media on a tour of the new south concourse on January 7, 2019.Christina Estes/KJZZ

The view from a table at San Tan Brewing Company in the south concourse on January 7, 2019.Christina Estes/KJZZ

The new south concourse on January 7, 2019. It is the second phase of a three phase terminal modernization project.Christina Estes/KJZZ

Terminal 3's modernization project includes power outlets at every seat in the south concourse as shown on January 7, 2019.Christina Estes/KJZZ

Cindy McCain, wife of the late Senator John McCain, speaks to reporters at the south concourse on January 7, 2019.Christina Estes/KJZZ

This is the image that will be used for a bronze plaque that will be installed pre-security at south concourse of Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport which is named after the late Senator John McCain.Christina Estes/KJZZ

In 2018, the Phoenix City Council voted to name Terminal 3 after Senator John McCain.Christina Estes/KJZZ

The colorful terrazzo floor in the south concourse on January 7, 2019.Christina Estes/KJZZ

Artist Teresa Villegas created 'Light, Love, Life' on the floor of the south concourse bridge.Christina Estes/KJZZ